E-Paper
Don’t play politics over Chhath Puja: Kejriwal’s message to BJP
Non-emergency surgeries will be stalled for the time being in Delhi to ensure maximum care to Covid-19 patients, Kejriwal announced.
The Delhi government on Thursday increased the fine for not wearing masks to Rs 2,000 from Rs 500, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Thursday. “People are wearing masks. But there is leniency as well. We need to tighten the screws. The fine which was Rs 500 so far has been increased to Rs 2,000,” Kejriwal said, addressing a press meet after an all-party meet held to address the Covid-19 situation of the Capital.
The government will also urge the hospitals to stall non-emergency operations so that Covid-19 patients get the maximum care, Kejriwal said. “If you have a tonsils operation, you can schedule it next month too as it is not emergency. We will request the hospitals in this regard,” the CM said. All private hospitals have been asked to reserve 80 per cent of their ICU beds and 60 per cent of non-ICU beds for Covid-19 patients
Also Read: ‘You were shaken out of slumber’: High Court raps Delhi govt over Covid-19 surge
After the BJP blamed the AAP government — centering around the restrictions on Chhath Puja — for the present Covid-19 situation which breached all past records of daily infections and daily toll, Kejriwal said it is not time to indulge in politics. “ Why would I not want Delhi people to celebrate Chhath? It is an auspicious occasion and people should celebrate it but inside their house. Don’t gather outside at ponds and other waterbodies as it may cause a massive spread. I told all parties in the meet that it’s a difficult time for the people of Delhi when Covid-19 cases are rising. It’s not the time for politics, there is an entire lifetime for it. We should set aside politics and allegations for a few days. This is the time to serve people.”
After the all-party meeting, Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta said the AAP government faltered in taking the right measures. “ If the Delhi government had taken the right measures people would not have had problems celebrating Chhath Puja together. Markets should remain open with Covid-19 guidelines. The need of the hour is ICU beds and ventilators,” Gupta said.
On Thursday, the AAP government was rapped by the Delhi high court for relaxing the restrictions. “Why did you wait for 18 days to restrict the number of guests ar weddings? How many died of Covid-19 during this period?” the high court asked the government.
Since October last week, Delhi has been witnessing an unprecedented surge in the number of Covid-19 cases, which is being seen as the third wave in the city. The first two took place in July and September, respectively. Meanwhile, the AAP government allowed 200 guests at weddings. The relaxation has been reviewed and now only 50 guests are allowed.
Instead of a total lockdown, the government is mulling closing markets which have become Covid-19 hotspots in the last few weeks.
On November 18, Delhi recorded 131 deaths — highest single-day fatalities. The overall Covid-19 cases in the capital has also crossed the 5 lakh-mark. The highest single-day spike of 8593 COVID-19 cases till date here was recorded on November 11 when 85 fatalities were recorded.
